Give Them A Break

Give Them a Break

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

As she entered the conference room, lugging a baby carrier and a bag full of diapers and teething toys, her smile was tired but happy. The group of women gathered around her as she unbuckled the baby and lifted her out. The baby’s eyes blinked in the light, and she had dark, downy hair and a serious expression. Conversations about motherhood, nursing, and a lack of sleep ebbed and flowed around the table as the group grabbed plates of food from the buffet and sat down for a combined baby shower and meeting.

I asked the new mom if I could help by holding the baby for a bit so she could eat her dinner in peace, and she gratefully accepted. As I rocked and jiggled the baby, standing and bouncing her quietly in the corner, I breathed in her sweet baby scent and felt only a little envious that everyone else was eating chocolate cupcakes without me. I watched as the mother relaxed into the warmth of the conversation and said quiet thank-yous as she opened gift bags filled with tiny outfits and soft blankets.

Even though I know that this mom wouldn’t trade her new child for anything in the world, I also know that sometimes, all we really want is just a little break. When life revolves around the eating and sleeping patterns of a tiny tyrant, sweet though they may be, it takes a few months for things to turn right side up again. Though the birth of a child is a joyful event, it also brings a lot of upheaval. As Christians, we are called to share one another’s burdens, and sometimes stepping in to give someone else a moment to relax can be the sweetest gift of all.

—Kristin

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Who do you know that needs a break? Maybe it’s a new parent, a single parent, or a caregiver. Reach out to them and set up a time for you to give them a break.